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Health Watch - Enjoying the Holidays: Popping the Cork

Dec 13, 2010

Health Watch is a Public Service of the Office of News and Publications and is intended to provide general information only and should not replace the advice of a medical professional. You should contact your physician if you have questions about any of these topics.

This week on Health Watch, we’re talking about enjoying the holiday season in health and safety. Previously, we talked about the dangers of drinking and driving. But car accidents aren’t the only alcohol-related danger.

A bottle of champagne is a nice way to celebrate the holiday season. Just make sure you uncork the champagne safely. Dr. Preston Blomquist, an ophthalmologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, says flying champagne corks can cause serious eye injuries because they shoot out of the bottle with great force.

To prevent injuries – and keep more of the champagne in the bottle – learn to open champagne properly. Chill sparkling wines to at least 45 degrees so the cork is less likely to explode. Point the bottle away from people and hold it at a 45-degree angle. Place a towel over the cork and gently turn the cork to break the seal. Apply gentle downward pressure on the cork as you ease it out of the bottle.

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December 2010

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